Pumpkins, potions and trails for Calan Gaeaf/ Halloween
The end of autumn and the beginning of winter is marked with many traditions - some stretching back to the pre-Christian times and the Celtic Samhain (SOW-an). This was thought to be the time of year when the unseen divide between the real world and the spirit world would grow thin, allowing spirits to mix with the world of humans.
In Wales, the first day of winter was November 1st and the night before is known as Calan Gaeaf, 'Winter's Eve', and Ysbrydnos or 'Spirit Night' – when the spirits came out to visit.
Calan Gaeaf/ Halloween falls during the school half term, so there are lots of activities available to entertain the children and it's a great opportunity to dress up.
First... pick your pumpkin! There are pumpkin fields where you can pick your own pumpkin to carve at home or join in pumpkin carving activity and other creative craft activities across Ceredigion.
Did you know that half term week is known as potato picking week in Ceredigion?
Step back in time as they take a look at Potato Picking Week at Fantasy Farm Park –Halloween Crafts with Peggy at Fantasy Farm Park during autumn half term. Mr Jon Jon the popular children's entertainer will also be at Fantasy Farm Park - everyone's invited to dress up to celebrate Halloween with him.
Aberystywth Arts Centre has lots going on over half term week, including land art and Halloween screen printing workshops, cinema and theatre, and a family friendly halloween live music gig.
Discover the magic of autumn at RSPB Ynyshir its all about having fun in nature with activities to explore and discover wildlife at RSPB Ynys-hir.
The Teifi Marshes Welsh Wildlife Centre has crafting sessions, a scavenger hunt, facepainting and wildlife discovery during autumn half term week.
Step into a world of magic, mystery and spooky fun this Calan Gaeaf! at Llanerchaeron. Become an apprentice apothecary and follow our magical trail around Llanerchaeron, collecting ingredients to create your very own protection spell. Meet storyteller Peter Stevenson for tales of Calan Gaeaf, then, as darkness falls, brave our spooky after-dark trails (booking essential for these). With plenty of family-friendly fun along the way, it's the perfect autumn adventure — and your last chance to explore the house before our festive Christmas weekends begin.
There's plenty to do indoors, there'll be an autumnal theme in the house, providing one of the last chances to see the house before it closes for the winter months. The Play room will also be in the stable block providing some fun shelter, and don't forget to visit the farmyard animals.
Sweet, spectacular and maybe spooky wildlife?
The Welsh Wildlife Centre on the Teifi Marshes at Cilgerran have a Halloween Nature Quest trail and various craft activities throughout half term week. Can the family take on the Welsh Wildlife Centre’s challenging Halloween/Nos Galon Gaeaf Quest to help protect the nature reserve from spooky spirits and creepy creatures? Search the trails for special ingredients to create a protection potion then return to the visitor centre and add them to the cauldron. Earn a prize and save us all from those pesky phantoms!. No need to book, the Quest is available from shop desk.
A free spectacle that draws people to Aberystwyth at dusk in autumn and winter are the swirling murmurations of starlings coming in to roost under the Pier. Can they cast their magic spell on you?
Guided walks, talks and experiences
Can you tell the difference between the murderously macabre and the made up? The feverishly frightening or just plain fibs? Mosaic expert Alison Pierse becomes the Demonic Mosaicist of Great Darkgate Street to guide you on an immersive ghostly walking tour of Aberystwyth town. Some of the stories are true and some of them are just a pack of lies. Can you spot the ghouls..t?
The National Library of Wales has a special themed talk each year for Calan Gaeaf/ Halloween. Hear about witches, the Celtic otherworld, the Irish roots of halloween, Welsh traditions and tales of haunting and witchcraft in Wales from prehistory through to modern times. See the National Library of Wales events page for details.
Abertoir Film Festival
Abertoir is an annual horror and horror film festival held in the Aberystwyth Arts Centre 2026 (please note 2026 is a fallow year.)
As well as screening new big-budget horror films, classic and independent films form a large and important part of the festival line-up. In addition to film screenings, the festival regularly features concerts, theatre shows and masterclasses in its line up. Each year a short film competition is held, which showcases horror and fantasy short films from around the world.
Firework displays
Bonfires are an ancient Calan Gaeaf tradition in Wales, but now also linked to the commemoration of the Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes.
Firework displays in Ceredigion are organised by charitable and community organisations to raise funds for local good causes.
Fireworks displays are usually accompanied by music and food. In New Quay many cafes and restaurants have one night only specials, so it is well worth making a night of it.
